Nagaraju Shiva Puttaswamy, known by his screen nameShiva Rajkumar, is an Indian film actor, producer, playback singer and television presenter, best known for his work in Kannada cinema. He is the eldest son of actor Rajkumar. In his career spanning over three decades, Shiva has worked in over 120 films. After graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, Shiva made his debut screen appearance in Singeetham Srinivas Rao's Anand, which fetched him the Cinema Express Award for Best Actor. His first three films, Anand, Ratha Sapthami and Mana Mechchida Hudugi were all highly successful, earning him the title Hat-trick Hero coined by the media and his fans. Shiva has worked in the film industry for over 30 years, featuring in films such as Anand, Ratha Sapthami, Om, Janumada Jodi, Nammoora Mandara Hoove, A.K. 47, Jogi, Bhajarangi, Mufti,Shivalinga and Tagaru which became milestones in the Kannada film industry and made records at the box office. In 2010, he made his television debut with the talk showNaaniruvude Nimagagi, aired on Zee Kannada. Shiva worked as a co-producer for a web series named Hate You Romeo which was shot in Vietnam.
Early life
Shiva Rajkumar was born in Madras, Tamil Nadu, to actor Rajkumar and film producer Parvathamma as the first of five children. His two brothers are Raghavendra Rajkumar, a film producer and Kannada actor and Puneeth Rajkumar, an actor in Kannada cinema. Shiva did his schooling in T. Nagar, Chennai and then studied at the New College, Chennai. On the insistence of film director K. Balachander, Shiva joined an acting school in Chennai after completing his graduation from Madras University in 1983. After getting trained in Kuchipudi dance from Vempetti Chinni Sathyam in Chennai during his college days, he made an entry into the Kannada film industry with Anand.
Shiva started his acting career with the film Anand in 1986. In his career spanning over 30 years, he acted in a variety of roles. The most notable movies of his career are Janumada Jodi, Jogi, Anand, Ratha Sapthami, Nammoora Mandara Hoove, Om and Chigurida Kanasu. He acted in Sugreeva, which was shot in 18 hours. His Om, directed by Upendra, set a trend of gangster movies in Kannada and other film industries in India. It continues to be shown even to this day. His film Cheluveye Ninne Nodalu was shot at the 7 wonders of the world. His 100th movie, Jogayya, is the sequel to his blockbuster Jogi. Bhajarangi was a box-office success, and went on to run for more than 100 days. The film was released in Karnataka, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. It was released in 212 theatres in the state of Karnataka alone. He was praised for his versatility.
Statement against dubbing
Shiva opposed the proposal of voice dubbed movies releasing in the Kannada film industry. He openly criticized the need for voice dubbed movies in the Indian film industry. However, once the Supreme Court gave its final verdict against the ban on dubbed movies, he announced that he would no longer oppose dubbing. He went on to say that if that is what the audience wants, he is not the one to oppose it.
Awards and honours
Shiva has won four Filmfare and four state awards in the best actor category. He has also won numerous Cine-Express, Sirigannada and ETV awards. He has lent his name for creating awareness for social causes and charity. On his birthday, "Shivarajkumar Suvarana Mahotsava Abhinandana Samithi" was formed for charity.
International Recognition
Recipient of Kohinoor of South India honour by the British South India Council of Commerce and Visionnaire Entertainment - London in 2016
